Saint Gildas of Wales was a 6th-century monk and historian, known for his writings on the early Christian church in Britain. He is often associated with the founding of several monasteries, including the famous Glastonbury Abbey. Gildas is recognized as one of the earliest historians of Britain, providing valuable insights into the political and religious landscape of his time. Gildas is best known for his work, De Excidio et Conquestu Britanniae, which details the decline of Roman Britain and the subsequent invasions by the Saxons. His writings emphasize moral lessons and the need for spiritual renewal among the people of Britain during a tumultuous period.